E-tec alternator output

[amirm]

I am puzzled about something. Evinrude proudly advertises that the alternator on my 225hp outboard produces 133 amps (http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Engines/2005/E-Tec/Saltwater.250.225.200/Specifications/250.V6/). But then a fine print says it is really 75 amps at 13.5 volts. Then after that, it says that only 25 amps is usable for charging. So we start at 133 and end at only 25 amps!<br /><br />I assume the 133 amp number is unregulated but how could they have nearly 45% loss in the regulator?<br /><br /> And what would use 50 amps in the engine to leave me only 25 amps for charging?<br /><br />Yes, I realize some of this is marketing talk but does anyone have a technical explanation of where all of the power is going?<br /><br />Just curious. Like the engine otherwise.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Amir

 

[seahorse5]

Re: E-tec alternator output

The V-6 E-TECs have a fully regulated 50 amp charging system for the battery. The engine puts out the full amperage as low as 1200 rpm and at 500 rpm idle, it still generates around 15 amps.<br /><br /> If you use the built in isolator, that circuit charges a maximum of 25 amps.<br /><br />The rest of the engine runs on 55 volts, not 12volts, and the engines do not use the full capacity of the alternator, but it is available if ever needed.

 

[amirm]

Re: E-tec alternator output

Thanks Seahorse. This is very useful. Is the isolator used for split charging of two batteries? If so, are you saying each can then get 25 amps?<br /><br />Amir

 

[seahorse5]

Re: E-tec alternator output

Originally posted by amir:<br /> Thanks Seahorse. This is very useful. Is the isolator used for split charging of two batteries? If so, are you saying each can then get 25 amps? Amir

From what I understand, the main battery can receive as much as 50 amps, but the "isolator" battery circuit can only receive a max of 25.